HELP! I messed my paint up

[russknott]

In an effort to fix minor scratches I've managed to make things worse. I had some debris on my microfiber cloth and added more scratches.

I've been able to get the majority of the extra scratches and buff marks to go away for the most part.

But when the sun hits my vehicle JUST RIGHT, you can see the hand-buff marks and areas where I rubbed too hard/long. These blemishes can only be seen with the right kind of light, but I know they're there and it drives me nuts.

I was planning on removing the wax and oils currently on the blemish spots, then use Meguiar's D151 to fix these areas.

Is this a good plan? If not, what should I do.

[Nick Winn]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.

Are you working by hand or machine? If machine, what type of machine?

Based on your description, I would recommend a dedicated paint cleaner/compound to address these scratches. Once we determine how you will be applying (hand/machine), we can make a product recommendation.

-Nick

[russknott]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Thanks for the quick reply! I would be applying by hand.

[The Guz]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Welcome to MOL.

Your post reminded me of this thread Avoiding "cheetah spots" or, "Look what this compound did to my paint!"

There is some good info in this thread that should help you.

I will let Nick answer your question on products.

[russknott]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Sweet, thanks! I'm gonna check it out right now!

[russknott]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Thanks Guz! That was a great read and I immediately found two things I was doing wrong - applicator type and application technique (using fingers instead of even/uniform pressure).

Thanks again!

[Nick Winn]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Glad to hear you have found some great information. It sounds like you should be on your way to fixing the marks in the paint. As far as product goes, based on your description, I would recommend our Ultimate Compound applied with a soft foam applicator pad. If the vehicle is a dark color, following the compound step with Ultimate Polish on a separate clean soft foam applicator pad would be recommend if you are trying to get the best gloss/results. Finally, apply your favorite coat of wax for protection.

When working by hand, we typically recommend a soft foam applicator pad, like our W0004 Foam Applicator Pad. In a small, square foot or so section at a time, apply the product in circular, overlapping motions, keeping your hand flat, applying moderate pressure, and working the product in for about a minute or so. The product should break down to a light wet film. This is when it is most easy to wipe off. Remember to check your work under proper lighting.

Feel free to keep us posted

Nick

[russknott]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Great! Thank you very much for your advice!

[james751993]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Grab yourself some clean foam applicators and some new good quality microfibre towels. As Nick mentioned, make sure you follow ultimate compound with ultimate polish as the compound will leave tiny micro scratches in the paint that will often be seen as a haze. After that, grab your favorite wax and seal all your work. Also, make sure you're using the two bucket wash method when washing the car to reduce the chance of scratching the paint.
Hope it works out.

James

[russknott]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Thanks James! I appreciate it!

[Nick Winn]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Grab yourself some clean foam applicators and some new good quality microfibre towels. As Nick mentioned, make sure you follow ultimate compound with ultimate polish as the compound will leave tiny micro scratches in the paint that will often be seen as a haze. After that, grab your favorite wax and seal all your work. Also, make sure you're using the two bucket wash method when washing the car to reduce the chance of scratching the paint.
Hope it works out.

James

I would like to comment regarding the mention of Ultimate Compound leaving behind micro scratches after application. Can Ultimate Compound leave behind mild micro scratches when applied by hand or DA Haze when applied on a dual action polisher machine, sure, it absolutely can. Does it always? No.

In many and really most cases after applying Ultimate Compound, the paint will probably look like it has been polished & waxed, with little to no micro scratches or haze. Luckily for us users, technology in our compounds & cleaners is much more advanced these days, and even when anything is left behind after the use of our Ultimate Compound, it is very mild & easy to remove with a cleaner/polish, like our Ultimate Polish Pre-Waxing Glaze or M205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

If anyone in this thread or viewing is interested in more information regarding our compound technology, the below article features a "Round Table Discussion" Video, Three compounds in our Professional Mirror Glaze Line are discussed (which Ultimate Compound is derived off of one of them - M105 Ultra Cut Compound.)

Questions about Meguiar's M105, M101, and M100 Compounds? Watch this video!

- Nick

[amblin83]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Never use a dirty MF towel, and remember to flip the towel over and check for contaminations regularly as you progress.

If you're working by hand on a towel, use only moderate force and remember to re-apply polishing compound every 50-80 circles to avoid dry rubbing marks. Also try wrapping the towel around a foam pad for a more even force distribution or get yourself a 'P-ball' and some 3" foam pads.

[amblin83]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

UC wouldn't be my first choice when treating areas larger than 1sq ft mainly due to the relatively higher chance of leaving a slight haze behind which require extra work to remove. Especially if you're working by hand.


if this is unfortunately the case, simply follow up several passes of UFP (ultra finishing polish) OR any mild finishing polish and the haze/ fine swirls should be gone for good.

[amblin83]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

And btw, my choice of polish when working by hand is #83 clean/polish or sonax medium cut nano polish followed by UFP. And I usually find myself skipping the UFP step .

i personally prefer a more watery / thin compound which seem able to better lubricate the pads.

[The Guz]

Re: HELP! I messed my paint up

Check out our very own Mike Stoops showing how to do it by hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIklU-DjwYs